April 1 - Back on the mainland and where to go now....

First stop was to Bern's Dad's place in Beaumaris for some Pop time. A trip up to the Dandenong Ranges and a ride on the famous Puffying Billy impressed. We even had to get the chant "I think I can, I think I can" going to help him up the hill. Theo's new catch phrase "all aboard!" as he hangs out the camper door, now features regularly.

Our trip to date has been very much influenced by recommendations from friends and strangers alike. We originally set out to do rail trails in Victoria, Mornington Peninsula is a must-see, hike the Grampians, alpine experiences in Bright, Lakes Entrances, Great Ocean Road etc.... but none of these featured as we blasted through Victoria straight up the Hume to the hustle and bustle of Tumbarumba, NSW, a slight detour on-route to the ACT. Our plan, was actually now to head west to Perth and the west coast, squeezing in some quick visits to a few friends and family before we 'disappeared', purely on the basis of a conversation with another travelling family at some random campground in Tasmania.

Canberra featured as we enjoyed the lovely hospitality of Julia and Tom, squeezed in a quick 10k at the Australian Running Festival, then off to Sydney for some cousin time with Bea and Clem. A quick visit with Aunty Margaret and Nigel before zooming up the M1 to stay at the luxurious Grandma Jules B&B, Rudy awaiting our arrival on the back verandah as if we hadn't left.
Easter with the family at Blackbutt, featuring a egg hunt (thanks Bek) a few catch-ups with friends and up the New England to Tamworth to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Wood. A number of catchups with the Gardiner's was a highlight as we awaited our new and improved Swan, now powered by 'the Sun!'. In fact, our route changed yet again following a few red wines and a game of cards with Mark noting that "it might be cold down south"...... so plans are now to head to Cairns. North it is!

We farewelled Tamworth before the sunrise on a crisp and frosty country morning to arrive in an even crispier Armidale just in time for Park Run. A hard hilly 5k, and back in the car. Yet again, our morning plans were to head to the Queensland border and see Stanthorpe, but realised, after a post run coffee that the coast is also lovely this time of year. So Waterfall Way was our new route, and what a find! Gorgeous waterfalls and stunning gorges litter the route. We only made it to Wollomombi Gorge, 40k from Armidale before we thought enough was enough and we set up for a few nights. It had been a while since we had slept in the Swan, and it was a welcome return, getting kids to bed early to enjoy the camp fire under the starry sky.

Wollomombi Falls, Ebor Falls and Dangar Falls in Dorrigo were all impressive in their own right, and all unexpected based on the surrounding scenery. Closer to the coast but not quite, we found ourselves a little piece of heaven tucked into the Nymboi-Binderay National Park, called Platypus Flats. A green grass lined river bank, surrounded by tall dense hardwood forests mostly untouched. The road in was a challenge with a few creek crossings and some extremely steep climbs but we made it. Bern on the other hand had a running schedule to keep up with, so she had jumped out 8km back to run to camp. Not knowing the terrain or who else might be out there, I think adrenaline and fear pushed her to do a PB. She arrived at camp with a broad smile that portrayed her achievement, but mostly that she was happy to be alive. We cooled off in the crisp Nymboida River and fell asleep to the sound of rapids over the rocks just metres away.

A few short walks through the surrounding forest included seeing some of the largest hardwood trees remaining lucky to be protected now, and also remenants of the rail lines built to take them out of the forest over 100 years earlier. A winding drive out of the National Park and down towards the coast, found us in the gorgeous town of Bellingen for a morning coffee. Bern almost moved here, when I reminded her that we have a home and his name is Swanny.

A few days of coastal relaxing followed, with Dan and Beth making the trip north to stay with us at some hidden coastal gems. Red Rock was number one gem, with a gorgeous river and wild beaches. Swimming and fishing entertained while a few drinks with good friends kept the evening conversation fluid! Number 2 gem was Minnie Waters where arguably this could have been our best camp spot yet, positioned on top of the dunes with 180 degree view of the beach and coastline. Dan pulled in a haul of bream and cooked them on the campfire just to finish off our stay on the mid north coast with a bang.

Dan and Beth left, the weather turned, and so we fled, north as far as we could, arriving for refuge from the weather at Aunty Paulines in the suburbs of Brisbane. A few lovely days allowed us some sight seeing around the city, catch ups with Aunty Bern and cousins, toddler Tuesdays at the GOMA, and a general clean up before we hit the road again.

We think we are heading the Fraser Island, but who knows....